Electromagnetic drive system

ABSTRACT

A machine for generating compressive energy from kinetic energy, comprising a plurality of weights mounted for rotation on a shaft which is disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation. The shaft, and the weights mounted thereon, are driven about the axis of rotation by an electromagnetic drive comprising a segmented annular electromagnet, each segment of which is energized in advance of a magnetically sensitive element on the shaft to rotate the element, shaft and the weights about the axis. By suitable crankshaft linkage, the rotational motion is transmitted to linear motion of pistons which yield the compressive energy to be generated.

0 United States Patent 91 [111 3,792,295

Garbi [4 Feb. 12, 1974 ELECTROMAGNETIC DRIVE SYSTEM Primary ExaminerD.F. Duggan [76] Inventor: Frank Garbi, 48-21 40th St., Long I IslandCity, NY. 1 1104 [57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: May 1972 A machine forgenerating compressive energy from [21] Appl. No 249,560 kinetic energy,comprising a plurality of weights mounted for rotation on a shaft whichis disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation. The shaft,[2?1 310/46, and the weights mounted thereon are driven about 81 theaxis of rotation by an electromagnetic drive com- [56] References CitedUNITED STATES P'ATENTS R22,549 9/1944 Plensler 310/82 2,378,668 6/1945Vickers 3,595,103 7/1971 Wildhaber 74/800 ION prising a segmentedannular electromagnet, each seg ment of which is energized in advance ofa magnetically sensitive element on the shaft to rotate the element,shaft and the weights about the axis. By suitable crankshaft linkage,the rotational motion is transmitted to linear motion of pistons whichyield the compressive energy to be generated.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDF'EBIZ'HH I 3.792.295

- sum 1 0F 3 V ION l ELECTROMAGNETIC DRIVE SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The invention arises from the need to convert relativelymoderate but continuous quantities of electrical energy into kinetic andthence into compressive energy capable of exerting relatively largeforces for certain durations of time. The invention is intended forlarge scale use wherein the dimensions of sizes and weight are such thatvery large amounts of kinetic energy are stored in the high speedrotation of the weights, ready to be extracted in linear motion ofcompression piston pumps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises anelectromagnetic drive for a system of extended weights whereby theweights are rotated at substantial speeds, yielding large amounts ofkinetic energy which may be tapped by a suitable crankshaft linkagewhich connects to pump pistons. The electromagnetic drive consists of asegmented annularelectromagnet, each segment of which is energized infront of an advancing magnetic element. The magnetic element is part ofa primary crank system having means to restrict its motion to rotationabout an axis. Such rotation is effected by continuing attraction of themagnetic element as it advances about the electromagnet. I

Rotational motion about the axisincludes a system of weights extendedfrom the axis whereby substantial amounts of kinetic energy and inertiaare generated.

A secondary crank system converts the rotational motion to reciprocatinglinear motion of pump pistons which may be used in any suitable manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view takenacross line 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing the annular track and the rollerfollower mounted on the angled shaft.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the kinetic power system of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring to thedrawing, the kinetic power system of the present invention comprises agroundmounted support 12 having a plurality of reinforced concrete orstructural steel legs 14 joined at the top by a horizontal platform 16.In the preferred embodiment the structure will be required to absorbgreat strain and should be suitably strong. Mounted on platform 16 is abase 18 for an annular electromagnet 20 having a plurality of magneticsections 22. Annular electromagnet 20 is horizontally disposed about avertical axis which, as will be seen, is the axis of rotation of themajor rotating elements of the invention.

Segmented electromagnet 20 is mounted in a collar.

24 supported on base 18 by a plurality of wheels 26 which permit collar24 to rotate axially. A portion of the circumference of collar 24 isprovided with gear teeth 28 and is in engagement with a shaft-mountedworm 30. Worm shaft 32, mounted on base 18, is provided with a handle 34to permit the worm to rotate in engagement with gear section 28 wherebythe annular position of collar 24 and segmented electromagnet 20 may beadjusted.

Extending upwardly through and within segmented electromagnet 20 anddisposed at an angle with respect to the said axis is a shaft 36 havinga magnetic element 38 mounted thereon in close proximity to the innerannular surface of segmented electromagnet 20. Shaft 36 is supportedfrom below by a knuckle joint support 40 and is supported near its upperend by a roller follower 42 which rides against an annular horizontaltrack 44 secured in platform 16. The entire assembly of shaft 36,magnetic element 38 and roller follower 42 rotate as a unit about avertical axis of rotation which is also the axis of annular track 44 andannular segmented electromagnet 20. The juncture between the bottom endof shaft 36 and knuckle joint support 40 is also on the axis of rotationas is a crankshaft 46 which is connected to and extends below knucklejoint support 40.

Secured to shaft 36 are a plurality of weights 48 and 50. While twoweights are shown in the drawing, it is clear that any number of weightsgreater than one may be provided although care must be taken that theycounterbalance each other within the limits discussed herein. Inparticular, at least one weight 48 should extend on the same side ofshaft 36 as does roller follower 42, this being this side of the shaftwhich faces away from the axis of rotation. Weight 48 should be greaterthan weight 50 which lies on the opposite side of shaft 36. The weightdifferential between weights 48 and 50 should be sufficient to holdroller follower 42 in constant engagement-against annular track 44 asshaft 36, together with the roller follower and the weights, rotateabout the axis of rotation.

The operation of the invention may now be understood. A particularelectromagnetic segment 22 is energized and attracts magnetic element 38which moves toward the energized segment. As magnetic element 38approaches the energized segment 22, that segment is de-energized andthe next succeeding segment in the direction of travel of magneticelement 38 is energized, resulting in magnetic element 38 constantlybeing advanced by the attraction of energized segments 22. Magneticelement 38 together with its shaft 36 are accordingly magneticallydriven by segmented electromagnet 20 to rotate about the axis ofrotation. The speed of rotation may easily be controlled by changing theangular distance between an energized segment 22 and magnetic element38. Such adjustment is easily providedby rotation of collar 24 by meansof worm 30. The speed of rotation may be reduced by reduction in thatangular distance, and a braking force may be applied by locating theenergized segment behind the magnetic element.

It is the opinion of the inventor that the invention makes use of theforce of gravity to assist electromagnet 20 in rotating weights 48 and50 thereby reducing the magnetic strength necessary to rotate theweights. The mechanism by which this is achieved is believed by theinventor to be the following. When at rest weight 48 occupies the lowestposition possible by reason of gravity. This position is in a verticalplane extending from magnetic element 38. As magnetic element 38 isinitially displaced a fractional amount by the action of electromagneticsegment 22, weights 48 and 50 are prevented by inertial forces fromimmediately following-that rotational displacement. As a consequence,weight 48 rises and weight 50 drops because of the displacement ofmagnetic element 38 with respect to weight 48. The force ofgravity nowacts upon weight 48 to bring it again to its lowest position verticallybeneath magnetic element 38 but since magnetic element 38 has beenadvanced weight 48 must rotate to attain its lowest position. Moreover,because magnetic element 38 continually advances slightly ahead ofweights 48 and S0, weights 48 and 50 are in a constant state of tryingto catch up to the position of magnetic element 38, constantly trying toreach a low point. Thus, it is the inventors belief that rotation of theweights is accomplished in large part by the force of gravity.

.Control of energizing and de-energizing the appropriate electromagneticsegments 22' is easily provided by a plurality of switches 52 mountedabout theoutermost limits of the circular travel of weight 48. Eachswitch is connected to the appropriate electromagnetic segments 22 suchthat as weight 48 passes a given switch a segment 22 in advance ofmagnetic element 38 is energized and the electromagnetic element 22which is adjacent magnetic element38 is de-energized. For example,consider FIGS. 2 and'3 which illustrates a given position for shaft 36and its associated elements.

Weight 48 is passing switch 52a and has actuated the same. Actuation ofswitch 52a energizes electromagnetic segment 22a and de-energizeselectromagnetic segment 22b. In the topview provided in FIGS. 2 and 3the direction of rotation is counterclockwise. Note, as shown in FIG. 1,that weight 50, a secondary and smaller weight, does not extend as greata radial distance from the axis of rotation as does weight 48., which isthe primary and larger weight. Accordingly it is only weight 48 and notweight 50 which contacts switches 52.

Each switch'52 has a cover flap 54 which is secured at one end 56 onlyto a wall 58, the opposite end of cover 54 being unrestrained. The end56 of cover 54 which is secured to wall 58 is that in the direction ofapproach of weight 48 which, as seen in FIG. 3, rotates in acounterclockwise direction. As weight 48 passes a switch 52 it engagescover 54 and depresses the same thereby closing the switch. Thiscondition is shown at switch 52a in FIGS. 1 and 3. As weight 48 passes agiven switch the switch returns to its normal off position.

Switches 52 are described as being mechanically actuated. They may alsobe photoelectric switches, proximity switches or any other suitableswitching medium.

Knuckle joint support turns about the axis of rotation on a bearing 60which is in turn supported by a bearing support framework 62. Extendingfrom knuckle joint support 40 downwardly through bearing 60 and bearingsupport 62 is crankshaft 46 located at its upper end by bearing 60 andintermediate its ends by bearing 64 secured in a ground member orreinforced concrete base 66. The bottom of crankshaft 46 rests on athrust bearing 68 which has suitable support in base 66.

Crankshaft 46 in the preferred embodiment is provided with a singlecrank 70 to which is joined opposed and the pistons may then be used inany conventional.

manner as pump pistons or the like and the output of each piston wouldbe controlled by suitable and normal connections, not shown in thedrawing.

In summary, the invention provides a machine fo convertingelectromagnetic energy into the kinetic energy of rotation of weights 48and 50 which is'then transmitted through suitable crankshaft and pistonrod connections to pump pistons 74 which provide a work output.

In the preferred embodiment the kinetic power system 10 of the presentinvention would approximate 30 feet high and 40 feet wide at its maximumwidth. Wall 58, which could be formed as part of reinforced concretebase 66, forms a cylindrical excavation some 6 feet deep andapproximately 20 feet in diameter. Weight 48 in the preferred embodimentis approximately 200 pounds and weight 50 is approximately pounds. Thespeed of'rotation is on The order of RPM. Because of the large dynamicforces which would be generated by over 350 pounds rotating at such aspeed, it is desirable to constructthe system such that the weights arebelow ground level 76. In the unlikely event that a weight becomesdisconnected and flies off tangentially to the circle of rotation,retaining wall 58 and the earthen embankment behind would providesuitable security.

If the radial distance from the axis of rotation to the center of massof each weight is 15 feet, rotation at 180 RPM results in theweightstravelling a a .velocity of some 283 feet/second which isapproximately 193 miles per hour. If kinetic energy E be determined bythe formula E mv where mass m w/g, v is velocity in feet/second, w isweight in pounds and g is the gravitational constant of 32.174feetlsecond then, using the dimensions and velocity stated, a kineticenergy of approximately 436,000 foot-pounds is attained.

While the foregoing is illustrative of a preferred embodiment of theinvention, it is clear that other embodiments may be had within theteachings hereof. For example, the system may be used to drive rotarypumps such as impeller or propeller pumps. This would avoid thecomplication of pistons, piston rods and crankshaft.

. It should be noted that the complication of a crankshaft ment meansand said rotating means about said axis of rotation,

. f. said segments of said electromagnetic means being disposed incircular orientation upon a platform;

g. said platform being rotatable about said axis of rotation, toincrease or decrease the angular distance from an individually energizedsegment to said magnetic element means and accordingly increase ordecrease the speed of rotation of said magnetic element means,

h. said rotating means being connected to suitable drive means.

2. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generate kineticenergy in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said rotating means comprises a shaft supported at an angle with respectto the axis of rotation.

3. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generate kineticenergy in accordance with claim 2, wherein said rotating meansadditionally comprises:

at least one weight is supported on said shaft at a distance from saidaxis of rotation.

4. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generate kineticenergy in accordance with claim 3, additionally comprising:

' a. a plurality of switches, said switches being disposed along thepath of rotation of said weight, said switches being electricallyconnected to said electromagnetic means and being actuated by saidweight,

b. whereby said electromagnetic means is selectively energized by theposition of said weight with respect to said switches.

5. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generate kineticenergy in accordance with claim 4, wherein:

said shaft is supported at said angle with respect to said axis ofrotation by a circular track supported adjacent said electromagneticmeans, said track being co-axial with said axis of rotation, a rollerfollower mounted on said shaft engaging said track.

6. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generate kineticenergy, comprising:

a. rotating means, said rotating means being adapted to rotate about anaxis of rotation and having a central shaft drive element off the axisof rotation;

b. a weight, said weight being coupled to said rotating means incontinuous rotating motion initiated by changes of position of saidcentral shaft and the consequent changes of position of said weight;

c. electromagnetic drive means, said electromagnetic drive meansinitially displacing said drive element from a first position about saidaxis of rotation, whereat said weight is at a lower level, to a secondposition about said axis of rotation, whereat said weight is at a higherlevel due to initial inertial resistance of the weight to rotation aboutsaid axis of rotation; and

d. said continuous rotating motion being sustained partly by saidelectromagnetic drive means and partly by the force of gravity whichreacts to the higher level of said weight,

e. whereby the force of gravity tends to lower said weight to said lowlevel thereby causing rotation of said weight and said rotating meanscoupled thereto.

1. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generate kineticenergy, comprising: a. rotating means; b. magnetic element means, saidmagnetic element means being mounted on said rotating means off the axisof rotation; and c. electromagnetic means, said electromagnetic meansbeing situated adjacent said magnetic element means, d. saidelectromagnetic means comprising at least one segmented electromagnet,each segment of which may be individually energized to drive saidmagnetic element means, e. whereby selective energization of saidelectromagnetic means rotationally drives said magnetic element meansand said rotating means about said axis of rotation, f. said segments ofsaid electromagnetic means being disposed in circular orientation upon aplatform; g. said platform being rotatable about said axis of rotation,to increase or decrease the angular distance from an individuallyenergized segment to said magnetic element means and accordinglyincrease or decrease the speed of rotation of said magnetic elementmeans, h. said rotating means being connected to suitable drive means.2. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generate kineticenergy in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said rotating meanscomprises a shaft supported at an angle with respect to the axis ofrotation.
 3. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy to generatekinetic energy in accordance with claim 2, wherein said rotating meansadditionally comprises: at least one weight is supported on said shaftat a distance from said axis of rotation.
 4. A machine which utilizeselectromagnetic energy to generate kinetic energy in accordance withclaim 3, additionally comprising: a. a plurality of switches, saidswitches being disposed along the path of rotation of said weight, saidswitches being electrically connected to said electromagnetic means andbeing actuated by said weight, b. whereby said electromagnetic means isselectively energized by the position of said weight with respect tosaid switches.
 5. A machine which utilizes electromagnetic energy togenerate kinetic energy in accordance with claim 4, wherein: said shaftis supported at said angle with respect to said axis of rotation by aciRcular track supported adjacent said electromagnetic means, said trackbeing co-axial with said axis of rotation, a roller follower mounted onsaid shaft engaging said track.
 6. A machine which utilizeselectromagnetic energy to generate kinetic energy, comprising: a.rotating means, said rotating means being adapted to rotate about anaxis of rotation and having a central shaft drive element off the axisof rotation; b. a weight, said weight being coupled to said rotatingmeans in continuous rotating motion initiated by changes of position ofsaid central shaft and the consequent changes of position of saidweight; c. electromagnetic drive means, said electromagnetic drive meansinitially displacing said drive element from a first position about saidaxis of rotation, whereat said weight is at a lower level, to a secondposition about said axis of rotation, whereat said weight is at a higherlevel due to initial inertial resistance of the weight to rotation aboutsaid axis of rotation; and d. said continuous rotating motion beingsustained partly by said electromagnetic drive means and partly by theforce of gravity which reacts to the higher level of said weight, e.whereby the force of gravity tends to lower said weight to said lowlevel thereby causing rotation of said weight and said rotating meanscoupled thereto.